Suspending package storage container

ABSTRACT

A storage container operable to be suspended from a structure is disclosed. The storage container includes a housing having a plurality of sides configured to provide an enclosed space configured to store one or more packages. The storage container includes a first opening on a bottom portion comprising a platform configured to be lowered to receive the one or more packages. The storage container includes a top opening configured to open to receive the one or packages, and close to secure the one or more packages. The storage container includes a transceiver configured to send and receive one or more messages or signals from a user equipment (UE). The storage container includes a locking device configured to lock each of the bottom opening and the top opening.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container and a system for storingone or more packages delivered to an address or a location and relatedmethods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a containerand a system for storing delivered packages in a suspending containerconfigured to safely store multiple packages and methods for receivingand storing said packages.

BACKGROUND

Package delivery in the last few decades has evolved for a variety ofparcels such as shipping containers, parcels, or high value mail assingle shipments. Typically, most of the deliver of these variousservices are provided by postal systems, express mail, private couriercompanies, next day air and truck load shipping carriers. One of thefastest growing delivery markets is delivery to residential consumers.Residential consumers have developed their need for deliveries directlythrough to their door by avoiding malls, shopping locations, and evengrocery stores by having items delivered directly to their door. Oftentimes, consumers use same day delivery for local parcels via their localcourier or a private courier.

In recent years, on-line ordering of a product and having the productdelivered to a home address has become popular. This has increased thenumber of packages delivered to private addresses. The increase indelivered packages has caused a rise in the thefts of these packagesfrom residences. One cause in the rise of theft of these packages isthat the packages are often left in an unsecure, visible, and highlyaccessible area such as on a front porch of a residence when a residentis not home to receive the package. Theft problems are so prevalent withthe rise in home delivered packages that the phrase “porch pirates” hasbeen coined to explain the phenomena.

In order to combat package thefts, various security options have beenutilized in order to protect packages. Parcel drop boxes have been usedby consumers as an option to secure package drop offs. These devicesoften work much like package drop off slots you may see at your localpost office. A door is opened, so that packages can be dropped withinthe drop slot, and when the door closes, the package drops into anothercompartment. Opening the drop slot door again does not expose thepackage stored inside the lockbox. Although these boxes may protect apackage from an average grab and dash, more serious criminals won't beprevented from prying, cutting, lock picking, or lock drilling thisdevice.

Another preventative method that has been used in a smart lock. A smartlock is an electronic door lock that communicates with other Bluetoothor Wi-Fi-enabled devices, and they can be used in several ways toprevent package theft. These types of devices can be left locked, andwill only open after the proper barcode for an anticipated package isscanned. However, with the average individual lacking technical know-howin the operations of these devices, any error in the functionality ofthese products will lead to them to go unused.

Alternatively, there consumers have the options of using non-residentialdrop off points. There are several retailers or companies that offerdelivery as a selling point that will allow packages to be dropped offat a secure location, other than the consumers residence, in order toprovide requested protection. However, these options can often becomeexpensive and time consuming as a consumer will have to stop by aseparate physical location that they are consistently rentingperiodically. For some consumers, this can become quite inconvenient. Assuch, there is a need in the art for a device that can increase thesecurity of packages that are delivered to residential, or commerciallocations, that provides a secure yet convenient way of receivingdelivered packages when a consumer is away from their home.

Additionally, there have been recent interest in various deliverycompanies, to deliver many packages and parcels via aerial delivery.Often, these aerial deliveries are completed by delivery drones that areFederal Aviation Administration approved. These drones are capable oftransporting packages, medical supplies, food, or other goods. However,often times these drone deliveries are made difficult if the drone isrequired to land on a porch, or another sheltered area in order to placea delivery. It would be advantageous for these aerial delivery devicesto have a location specifically designed to be convenient to a drone oraerial delivery device, and also provide for security from potential“porch pirates.”

It is therefore the intent of the present invention to solve theaforementioned problems, and issues, by providing a package storagesystem in order to facilitate the protection and safe delivery of aplurality of packages.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented inthis section are not necessarily approaches that have been previouslyconceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it shouldnot be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this sectionqualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this sectionof the application.

SUMMARY

In order to provide solutions to the previously discussed problem,various techniques for providing security for delivered packagesobjectives are disclosed herein. Embodiments described herein arerepresentative examples of devices, methods, systems, services, and/orcomputer program products that can be used in conjunction with anextensible devices and services platform that, while being particularlyapplicable and advantageous for providing security objectives fordelivered packages and items and in some instances in a smart homecontext, is generally applicable to any type of enclosure or group ofenclosures (e.g., offices, factories, retail stores), vessels (e.g.,automobiles, aircraft), or other resource-consuming physical systemsthat will be occupied by humans or with which humans will physically orlogically interact. Thus, although particular examples are set forth inthe context of home security for delivered packages, it is to beappreciated that the scope of applicability of the described extensibledevices and services platform is not so limited.

An advance in the art is made by a smart storage system for one or moredelivery packages in accordance with various embodiments of theinvention. In accordance with some embodiments, the delivery packagestorage container of the present system comprises a storage containeroperable to be suspended from a structure is disclosed. The storagecontainer includes a housing having a plurality of sides configured toprovide an enclosed space configured to store one or more packages. Thestorage container includes a first opening on a bottom portioncomprising a platform configured to be lowered to receive the one ormore packages. The storage container includes a top opening configuredto open to receive the one or packages, and close to secure the one ormore packages. The storage container includes a transceiver configuredto send and receive one or more messages or signals from a userequipment (UE). The storage container includes a locking deviceconfigured to lock each of the bottom opening and the top opening.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the first openingis configured to move between an open position allowing access to the atleast one compartment and a closed position that closes the openingthereby preventing access to the at least one compartment from thelocation exterior of the housing.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the locking deviceis integrated with the door or the housing, the locking mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the locking deviceis Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enabled and configured to receive at least one ofa lock signal and an unlock signal from one or more user equipment(UEs).

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the storagecontainer further includes a control system comprising a microprocessorand a memory accessible by the control system, and instructions storedin the memory, wherein the instructions in the memory compriseinstructions to receive a lock command and control the locking mechanismbased on the lock command.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the transceiver isconfigured to receive a first message from the UE, wherein the firstmessage comprises of a request for access, and a predeterminedverification indicator. The transceiver is further configured todetermine if the predetermined verification indicator matches ascheduled delivery. The transceiver is further configured to send asecond message to the UE, wherein the second message comprises of anapproval, as a result of determining that the predetermined verificationindicator matches the scheduled delivery. The transceiver is furtherconfigured to unlock the locking device, providing access to theenclosed space.

In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the locking deviceis openable with a mechanical key, a combination code, an electronicsignal, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, a storage container configured to receive aerial deliveredpackages, is disclosed. The storage container includes a basketconfigured to retain one or more packages. The storage containerincludes a middle section configured to retain one or more electronicdevices. The storage container includes a top configured to enclose thebasket. The storage container includes a mounting device configured tosecurely position the at least the middle section and the top to a fixedstructure.

In one embodiment, the basket comprises of one or more containers orsections to organize one or more packages.

In one embodiment, the middle section further comprises and electroniccover, the electronic cover configured to securely encapsulate theelectronic devices.

In one embodiment, the electronic devices comprise of one or more of areceiver, an actuator motor, a gear motor, and an illumination device.

In one embodiment, the middle section further comprises a spoolcomprising a retaining cord, the retaining cord configured to be strungfrom the spool to each corner of the basket.

In one embodiment, the basket is configured to be movable in an upwardand downward direction about the retaining cord.

In one embodiment, each of the middle section and the top remainssecured to the u bracket on the fixed structure.

In one embodiment, the basket is actuated in an upward direction anddownward direction along the retaining cord strung in each corner of thebasket by one or more of the gear motor or the actuator motor.

In one embodiment, the storage container includes a power source,configured to power each of the electronic devices.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspectsor examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuingdescription and accompanying drawings. This summary is provided merelyfor purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide abasic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter describedherein.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described featuresare merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope orspirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described hereinwill become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures,and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures are included to provide a further understandingof the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The figures illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages ofthe disclosure will become more apparent and better understood byreferring to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the storage container, in accordancewith an example;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the storage container, in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process performed by a delivery serviceprovider server system in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 4 depicts the storage container suspended from a fixed structureand in the lowered position, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the storage container receiving apackage from an aerial delivery, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the storage container mounted on afixed structure, and receiving a package from an aerial delivery, inaccordance with an example; and

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the storage container mounted on ahouse above a garage door, and receiving a package from an aerialdelivery, in accordance with an example.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity andhave not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/orrelative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may beexaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understandingof various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common butwell-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commerciallyfeasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a lessobstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention.Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in aparticular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art willunderstand that such specificity with respect to sequence is notactually required. The terms and expressions used herein have theordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressionsby persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above exceptwhere different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiments of delivery package storage containers provided inaccordance with aspects of the present devices, systems, and methods andis not intended to represent the only forms in which the presentdevices, systems, and methods may be constructed or utilized. Thedescription sets forth the features and the steps for constructing andusing the embodiments of the present devices, systems, and methods inconnection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may beaccomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to beencompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Asdenoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicatelike or similar elements or features.

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit of essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles ofexemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specificationmay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Accordingly, a storage container operable to be suspended from astructure is disclosed. The storage container includes a housing havinga plurality of sides configured to provide an enclosed space configuredto store one or more packages. The storage container includes a firstopening on a bottom portion comprising a platform configured to belowered to receive the one or more packages. The storage containerincludes a top opening configured to open to receive the one orpackages, and close to secure the one or more packages. The storagecontainer includes a transceiver configured to send and receive one ormore messages or signals from a user equipment (UE). The storagecontainer includes a locking device configured to lock each of thebottom opening and the top opening.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the storage container 100. The storagecontainer can be a freestanding structure, connected to anotherstructure, or integrated as a unit or piecemeal with or into anotherstructure. The storage container 100, can include an internalcompartment used as a basket 101 that is able to withhold one or morepackages, parcels, or items. Packages can refer to any physical itemsincluding, but not limited to: items packaged in envelopes, itemspackaged in mailers, boxed products, unboxed products, groceries, orpurchases. Accordingly, the storage container can be constructed in avariety of shapes and sizes.

The basket 101, can include a plurality of internal compartments thatare able to organize the multiple packages that are received from adelivery service. Accordingly, the packages delivered by an aerialvehicle or a ground delivery driver, can be stored and sorted within oneor more defined cavities of the basket 101 by components of the storagecontainer 100 itself. The basket 101 may be further disposed andarranged to receive user deposited packages, or outgoing packages from auser. Such outgoing packages may be moved by the storage container 100from the pick-up opening to the defined cavities. User depositedpackages may then be accessed and retrieved by a drone via the top 103.

The basket can be constructed of one or more of hard plastic, metal,steel, alloy, or another hard container like surface that is able to bedurable during various seasons and weather changes. In some embodiments,only a portion of the storage container can be made of similar material,or made in combination with one or more of metal, another rigid,non-porous material, or other suitable material, recycled metal,recycled material, or other rigid and secure material to detertampering.

The storage container 100 can also include a middle section 102 that canbe removably attached to the basket 101. The middle section 102 is ableto house multiple operable components of the storage container 100. Themiddle section 102 includes a receiver antenna 109 that is configured tocommunicate with a transceiver that is external of the storagecontainer. The transceiver that the receiver 109 is in communicationwith via various wireless technologies such as radio frequencycommunication, wi-fi, and small wave communications, can be operable bya remote location, a delivery driver in his truck, or an aerial deliverydevice. The received is configured to receive a signal that indicatesthat a package or delivery is requested to be made into the basket 101of the storage container 100. Upon receiving the signal, the transceivercan interface with a controller in order to determine if a propersecurity key, or access identification has been received in order toallow a delivery service to deposit the package within the internalcavity of the basket.

The storage container 100 is also configured with a cable spool 106. Thecable spool 106 is a positioned towards the back of the container, andadjoins two opposite walls with two opposite ends of a rod making up thecable spool 106. The cable spool is configured to retain a retainingcord. The retaining cord can be selected from one or more of wire,braided wire and hybrid metal, twine, rope, cable or a composite wire.The spool 106 is configured to maintain and withhold the wire as it iswrapped around the spool, and unwrapped from the spool.

The storage container 100 also includes a gear motor 108. The gear motor108 is configured to interface directly with the cable spool 106. Thegear motor 108 can cause the spool to rotate in a first direction, alonga 360-degree axis, to retract the retaining cord, causing the retainingcord to wrap around the spool. The gear motor 108 can also rotate in asecond direction in order to unravel the retaining cord from the cablespool 106.

The storage container 100 can also include an actuator motor 107. Theactuator motor 107 is configured to interact with the gear motor 108.The actuator motor 107 upon receiving a signal from the receiver antenna109, that a package is intended to be delivered, and access has beengranted, can communicate with the gear motor 108 to start rotating thecable spool 106 in a first direction, to unravel the retaining cord. Theactuator motor 107 can further communicate with the gear motor 108 torotate the cable spool 106 in a second direction, to ravel the retainingcord around the cable spool 106. The actuator motor 107 can also causethe cable spool to unravel and ravel in one or more speeds depending onthe weight of the packages in the basket 101.

Access can be granted to actuate the actuator motor and thecorresponding gear motor via a wireless signal, including an accessrequest, that is received via the receiver antenna 109. In someinstances, the receiver antenna 109 can also be a transceiver. Thereceiver antenna 109 is also configured to receive an access request viaa code entered on a keypad 112. The keypad can be located on a fixedstructure that the storage container is attached to or in relation to.In some embodiments, the keypad can communicate an access code via awireless fob that can communicate a valid access identification to thetransceiver or the keypad itself.

In one embodiment, the interaction and communication between theactuator motor and the gear motor can be wired, or wirelesslyfacilitated via controller that is in communication with one or more ofthe actuator motors 107, the gear motor 108, and the cable spool 106.

The middle section 102 can also include a light 110 that is configuredto provide illumination to the internal cavity of the basket 101. Once areceiver of the package comes home to retrieve a parcel or package, thelight 110 can illuminate upon a photo sensor determining that there issufficient enough darkness for a light to illuminate. The light 110 canin some embodiments be configured to determine when the basket has beenopened in order to retrieve one or more packages.

In order to protect the electronics and circuitry within the middlesection 102, an electronic cover 105 can be used. The electronic cover105 can effectively cover and seal the electronic devices within themiddle section from damaging elements of various weather conditions. Theelectronic cover 105 can essentially hide the each of the light 110,gear motor 108, the actuator motor 107, and the receiver antenna 109.

Each of the electronic components, circuitry, or electronic devices areconfigured to be powered via a power source. The power source caninclude a battery 111. The battery 111 can be used as the main source ofpower, or can be connected to another power source such as a solar panelthat is used to receive and store energy for the storage container's 100electronic operation.

In some embodiments, the basket 101 itself can be permanently attachedto the middle section 102, and comprise of all of the elements therein.In essence, the basket can be configured to become a one-unit devicewith the middle section.

The storage container 100 can further include a top 103 that isconfigured to enclose over the middle section 102, in order to enclosethe parcels within the basket 101. The top 103 is configured to open inone direction, exposing the contents within the basket 101. The top 103is further configured to open in a second direction in order to enclosethe parcels within the basket. The top 103 is configured to utilize oneor more hinges in order to open and close in either direction. The top103 can comprise of a single door, multiple doors, or multiple panelsthat can be opened simultaneously or individually. Each of the doors orpanels are configured to have their own hinging system that isconfigured to attach to the middle section 102 of the storage container100. The top 103 can include an opening that may also include movablecover, door, flap, or other covering that is movable to allow aerialvehicle drop-off of packages while protecting the inside portion of dropbox from weather, debris, and to prevent access to the drop box otherthan delivery or pick-up of packages by the aerial vehicle.

The storage container 100 further comprises of a mounting devicecomprising of a U-bracket 104. The U bracket 104 is configured to allowthe storage container 100 to be attached to a fixed structure. The Ubracket 104 allows the storage container 100 to be attached to the fixedstructure while also giving enough space away from the fixed structure.Accordingly, the u-bracket can be mounted in a centrally located areawith respect to an individual residence, neighborhood, main entrance,frequently used entrance, a well-traveled route, or a convenientintersection. In some instances, the storage container 100, may beconnected to, attached to, or installed, or integrated with existingapartment buildings, condominium buildings, houses, commercialproperties, hotels, parks, and airports.

The storage container 100 or apparatus may be attached, installed, orintegrated into bike storage facilities, bus stops, carports, garages,partially covered areas sporting arenas, amphitheaters, gazebos, orother partially enclosed structures. Storage containers 100 adjacent tobuildings or other structures may be positioned partially inside andoutside of a connected building. Outdoor portions may include openingsused by drones and may be located on the exterior of an existingstructure, simplifying drone navigation. User pick-up openings,maintenance access, and/or storage portions may be located inside orunder shelter of the connected building or structure, providing userconvenience while reducing package damage. The storage container 100 orapparatus may be oriented or positioned to maximize shelter from theelements. Openings of the storage container 100 may be furtherpositioned to provide shelter. An aperture or opening on the storagecontainer 100 may be adjustable based on package size, drone size, orheight of the user.

Accordingly, the U-brackets 104 provide an advantage to preventobstruction of an aerial vehicle drop off. As such, the embodimentsdescribed herein are embodiments that are integrated into a building orother structure. This provides the advantage of avoiding negativelyimpacted package deliveries or pick-ups by aerial vehicles. Providingenough space between the fixed structure or wall, and the storagecontainer 100, allows a drone enough room for error to find the optimumhovering location in order to release a package into the internal cavityof the basket 101.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the storage container 100. As discussed inrelation to FIG. 1, the storage container 100 includes a top 103 that isconfigured to be actuated downward in order to cover the internal cavityof the basket 101, and the middle section 102. The middle section 102 ismost closely related in proximity to the top 103, and is able to beaccessed from the top of the storage container 100. As shown, each ofthe receiver antenna 109, the actuator motor 107, the gear motor 108,and the light 110 can be affixed to the insider wall of the storagecontainer 100. In some instances, more than one gear motor 108 and morethan one actuator motor 107 can be included in order to facilitate theraveling and unraveling of retaining cord from the cable spool.

The battery 111, can be positioned to be affixed to the U brackets 104for easy accessibility. The battery 111 can be configured to be incommunication with a solar panel that is attached to the top 103. Thebattery 111 can also be positioned on another location of the fixedstructure in order to provide additional accessibility for a user.

In one embodiment, the light 110, can be configured to illuminate theinside of the storage container 100, illuminate the outside of thestorage container 100, or shine downwards toward the basket 101, whenthe basket is removed from the storage container 100.

In some embodiments, the light 110, can further include a motiondetector that is configured to activate the light upon movement withinclose proximity of the storage container 100. The light 110, can alsoinclude a camera, configured to capture still pictures or video imagesin order to further deter, or identify potential thieves or trespassers.

In an example, as depicted in the flow diagram of FIG. 3, before thefirst package delivery to the container, the door can be closed over theopening but not locked. Accordingly, the door is moved to open the atleast one opening of the housing to expose the at least one compartmentlocated inside the interior of the housing. A delivery person or entitycan approach the device and send a message or request via a textmessage, a software application interaction, or via a signal sent viaBluetooth or Wi-Fi. The signal is received by a transceiver. The messagesent comprises of one or more identification information, and issubsequently matched with a scheduled delivery. The identificationinformation can be transmitted and received by the storage container andinclude data associated with package content, location, recipient,estimated timing, package destination, package location information,package delivery information, drone information, drone locationinformation, estimated time and/or location data as well as similarinformation associated with courier delivery services.

The scheduled delivery is determined from a pre populated list ofdeliveries that can be populated manually, or automatically throughassociation with one or more delivery carriers, or company memberships.These company memberships can comprise of one or more FedEx, UPS, USPS,Amazon, Walmart, or other companies of the like. Upon verification ofthe identification information, a door on the bottom side of thecontainer will open and lower a platform from one or more compartmentswithin the container, and receive the package for delivery. Upon thedetection of the package being placed on the platform, via one or moresensors selected from a touch sensor, audio sensor, ultrasonic sensor,or a video sensor, the platform is raised back into one or more of thecompartments of the container for storage. A locking device, then locksthe container to secure the products or packages within. A log is thenupdated and a message sent to an owner or user of the container,verifying that the package has been received.

FIG. 4 depicts the storage container suspended from a fixed structureand in the lowered position. In order for the storage container 100 toreceive the package or parcel 114 for delivery via a delivery service orcourier, the basket 101 is lowered to the ground. As shown in FIG. 4,the storage container 100 is suspended from a fixed structure 115 suchas a house, building, or other structure. The top 103, and the middlesection 102 of the storage container 100, remain affixed to theu-brackets 104 that is affixed to the fixed structure 115, while thebasket is lowered by the actuator motor and the gear motor as discussedin the above discussion. Accordingly, the basket 101 is configured to besupported by a plurality of cables 113 a-d that are positioned on eachcorner of the basket 101. Each of the plurality of cables 113 a-d areraveled and unraveled from one or more cable spools 106 positionedinside of the middle section 102. The cable spool 106 is activated andcontrolled by the actuator motor 107 in order to manipulate the basket101, downward via the gear motor 108. The actuator 107 is configured tocause the gear motor to rotate the cable spool 106 in order to releasethe cable 113 a-d from the cable spool 106, resulting in each corner ofthe basket 101 being lowered simultaneously. The simultaneous loweringof the basket ensures that packages 114 that are already retained withinthe basket 101, will not be lost from the internal cavity of the basket101 during lowering.

In some additional cables 113 a-d can be manipulated from the cablespool in order to provide additional supports on one or more sides ofthe basket 101.

In some embodiments, one or more gear motors can be positioned to be incommunication with, and operate each of the one or more cables 113 a-d.

In one embodiment, one or more actuator motors can be positioned incombination with the one or more gear motors, to be in communicationwith the one or more cables 113 a-d.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, in another example, the internal cavityof the basket can be can be accessed via a top portion 103 of thesuspended container via a drone 116 or other aerial delivery service.The aerial delivery service or drone can hover above the container, andsend a signal or message to a transceiver or a receiver within themiddle section 102 in order to gain access to the internal compartmentof the storage container 100. The transceiver can receive the signalcomprising of an initial request for access. The transceiver can thenrequest the drone 116 for access identification in order to identify ifa delivery is expected. The drone 116, via a transceiver, can send amessage or a signal to the receiver or transceiver of the storagecontainer 100 with an access key, encrypted key, access code, orpredetermined signal. In addition to the access identification, one ormore additional identification information in the message issubsequently sent that matches with a scheduled delivery. Uponverification of the identification information, the top 103 of thestorage containers 100 can open from one or more compartments within thecontainer, in order for the package 114 to be received from the drone116. Accordingly, the package can be dropped into the compartment viathe drone or aerial delivery service.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the storage container mounted on afixed structure, and receiving a package from an aerial vehicle. Asshown in FIG. 6, the drone 116 is configured to hover over the openedtop 103 of the storage container 100, in order to lower or drop apackage 114 in to the basket 101. The key pad 112, can be activated uponbe notified via a transceiver in the middle section 102, that a package114 has been delivered. Upon the key pad 112, being activated, thereceiver of the package can type in their access identification key, andthe basket 101, can be lowered to the ground for retrieval of thepackage 114.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the storage container 100 mountedon a house 115 above a garage door, and receiving a package from anaerial delivery. The storage container 100 can be positioned above agarage door of a house 115, or on another fixed portion of the house 116in order to make it difficult for packages within the storage containerto be accessed by anyone other than the owner of the home 115. Theu-brackets are secured to the side of the home 115 in order to ensurethat the storage container 100 is properly secured and unable to beremoved without the proper tools.

In another example, the drone can land on the top portion of thecontainer, and lower the product or package into an availablecompartment. In one example, the drone can be recharged via a wirelesscharging pad at the top of the top portion.

Upon the detection of the package being placed on the platform of thebasket, via one or more sensors selected from a touch sensor, audiosensor, ultrasonic sensor, or a video sensor, the door of the opening ofthe one or more of the compartments of the container is closed.Subsequently, a locking device, then locks the container to secure theproducts or packages within. A log is then updated and a message sent toan owner or user of the container, verifying that the package has beenreceived.

In accordance with some embodiments, a locking mechanism may beassociated with the door. If two or more doors, there can be two or morelocking mechanisms. For example, the locking mechanism can have a throwor a latch associated with the door and a socket for receiving the throwor latch associated with the housing. In other examples, the arrangementof the throw or latch and the receiving socket can reverse. The lockingsystem may alternate between an unlock state and to a lock state tosecure the door in the closed position and may unlock to allow the doorto move between the closed position to an open position to allow accessthrough the compartment opening, or the through opening. In exemplaryembodiments, the locking mechanism is a smart lock. For example, thesmart lock can be Wi-Fi enabled, Bluetooth enabled, have fingerprintscanning capability, and can include a touchscreen for entering codes tolock and unlock the locking mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, a delivery package container mayinclude a container control system. The container control system cancomprise a computer system having a processing system and a memoryaccessible by the processing system. In accordance with someembodiments, the container control system may receive climateinstructions, and adjust the climate control system to change theclimate in the enclosure based on the climate instructions. Inaccordance with many embodiments, the container control system mayreceive a lock command and control the locking mechanism based on thelock command.

In its simplest form, the delivery package storage container of thepresent invention comprises a housing comprising a plurality of walls,at least one through opening, at least one door for covering the atleast one through opening, and a locking mechanism for controllingaccess to the interior of the storage container via the at least oneopening and the at least one door. The through opening allows access tothe interior space, such as a compartment inside the housing, from aposition exterior of the housing.

In an alternative example, a docking system can also be provided withthe delivery package storage container. The docking system can comprisean anchor for securely fixing the delivery package storage container toa structure, in order to suspend the container out of reach of potentialthieves, and other threats to the packages within, such as to above agarage door, above a front door, on a side of a house or on top of ananchoring post. The docking system can comprise mounting flanges orfasteners for anchoring the delivery package storage container to thestructure. In another example, the docking system can comprise a homedocking base that is adapted to couple, receive, or engage a containerdocking base.

In accordance with some embodiments, the container can comprise ofmultiple compartments within the basket. Additionally, a first or asecond door affixed to the housing can be movable between a closedposition in which the door encloses the second opening and an openedposition that allows access to the second compartment. For example, thedelivery package storage container can have two or more compartmentswithin the housing, each being separately accessible by a differentopening with each opening being controlled or regulated by a door. Thetwo compartments can have the same size and/or shape or different sizesand/or shapes. By having two or more compartments, access to thedifferent compartments can be given to different delivery personnel tofurther increase security.

The methods, operations, acts, and logic flows as described herein maybe performed by one or more programmable processors executing one ormore computer programs or may also be partially or completelyimplemented as special purpose logic circuitry (e.g., an FPGA or anASIC). Processors as referred to herein include both general and specialpurpose microprocessors as well as any one or more processors of anykind of digital computer.

Illustrations, including figures, of the embodiments described hereinare intended to provide a general understanding of the structure ofvarious embodiments. Illustration is not intended to serve as a completedescription of all the elements and features of apparatus, systems, andmethods using the structures and methods described herein. Illustrationis merely representational and figures may not be drawn to scale.Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, whileother proportions may be minimized. Portions of interior and exteriorviews of components may not be physically viewable from a single view asillustrated. Such incomplete, partial, or combinations of views and areprovided for context. Thus, the disclosure and the figures are to beregarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Examples and embodiments should not be construed as limitations on thescope of the invention or what may be claimed, rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certainfeatures that are described herein in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Althoughfeatures may be described as acting in certain combinations and eveninitially claims as such, one or more features from a claimedcombination, can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, andthe claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination orvariations of a sub-combination.

Although certain delivery storage container systems, apparatus,components, features, advantages, methods, and the like have beendescribed herein in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto.On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings ofthe disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissibleequivalents.

Although various embodiments of a process performed by a containercontrol system to obtain access to the door of a compartment or interiorspace of a container are described, other processes for obtaining accessthat add, combine, modify, and/or remove steps of the processes may beperformed in accordance with various other embodiments of the invention.

Methods of manufacturing and of using the delivery package storagecontainers described herein and components thereof are within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Although limited embodiments of the delivery package storage containersand their components have been specifically described and illustratedherein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that thedelivery package containers and their components constructed accordingto principles of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods may beembodied other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure isalso defined in the following claims.

Example embodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious thatthe same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the intended spirit and scope of exampleembodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to oneskilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of thefollowing claims.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of variousembodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to theseembodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device isshown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of thedevice may be differently shaped or modified when forming the inventionherein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate thedescriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meantto portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope andintent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in anymanner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of theinvention have been shown and described herein, with reference toparticular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, variouschanges and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure andit will be apparent that in some instances, some features of theinvention may be employed without a corresponding use of other featureswithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. Itshould also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, andvariations may be made by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage container operable to be suspended froma structure, comprising: a housing having a plurality of sidesconfigured to provide an enclosed space configured to store one or morepackages; a first opening on a bottom portion comprising a platformconfigured to be lowered to receive the one or more packages; a topopening configured to open to receive the one or packages, and close tosecure the one or more packages; a transceiver configured to send andreceive one or more messages or signals from a user equipment (UE); anda locking device configured to lock each of the bottom opening and thetop opening.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the firstopening is configured to move between an open position allowing accessto the at least one compartment and a closed position that closes theopening thereby preventing access to the at least one compartment fromthe location exterior of the housing.
 3. The storage container of claim1, wherein the locking device is integrated with the door or thehousing, the locking mechanism.
 4. The storage container of claim 1,wherein the locking device is enabled to be digitally secured andconfigured to receive at least one of a lock signal and an unlock signalfrom one or more user equipment (UEs).
 5. The storage device of claim 4,wherein the locking device is enabled to be digitally secured with oneor more of wireless communication or radio frequency identificationcomprising short-wavelength ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio wavesenabled.
 6. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising: acontrol system comprising a microprocessor and a memory accessible bythe control system; and instructions stored in the memory.
 7. Thestorage container of claim 1, wherein the instructions stored in thememory comprises a plurality of instructions to receive a lock commandand control the locking mechanism based on the lock command.
 8. Thestorage container or claim 1, wherein the transceiver is configured to:receive a first message from the UE, wherein the first message comprisesof a request for access; determine if the request for access matches ascheduled delivery; send a second message to the UE, wherein the secondmessage comprises of an approval, as a result of determining that therequest for access matches the scheduled delivery; and unlock thelocking device, providing access to the enclosed space.
 9. The storagecontainer of claim 8, wherein the first message further comprises apredetermined verification indicator.
 10. The storage container of claim1, wherein the locking device is openable with a mechanical key, acombination code, an electronic signal, a key pad, a user equipment, abiometric scan via a biometric sensor or combinations thereof.
 11. Thestorage container of claim 1, configured to be mounted on a fixedstructure via a u-mount.
 12. A storage container configured to receiveaerial delivered packages comprising: a basket configured to retain oneor more packages; a middle section configured to retain one or moreelectronic devices; a top configured to enclose the basket; and amounting device configured to securely position the at least the middlesection and the top to a fixed structure.
 13. The storage container ofclaim 12, wherein the basket comprises of one or more containers orsections to organize one or more packages.
 14. The storage container ofclaim 12, wherein the middle section further comprises and electroniccover, the electronic cover configured to securely encapsulate theelectronic devices.
 15. The storage container of claim 12, wherein theelectronic devices comprise of one or more of a receiver, an actuatormotor, a gear motor, and an illumination device.
 16. The storagecontainer of claim 12, wherein the middle section further comprises aspool comprising a retaining cord, the retaining cord configured to bestrung from the spool to each corner of the basket.
 17. The storagecontainer of claim 16, wherein the basket is configured to be movable inan upward and downward direction about the retaining cord.
 18. Thestorage container of claim 17, wherein each of the middle section andthe top remains secured to the u bracket on the fixed structure.
 19. Thestorage container of claim 17, wherein the basket is actuated in anupward direction and downward direction along the retaining cord strungin each corner of the basket by one or more of the gear motor or theactuator motor.
 20. The storage container of claim 12, furthercomprising a power source, configured to power each of the electronicdevices.